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Transylvania University vs Spalding University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Lexington KY · vs · Private nonprofit, Louisville KY

The verdict

Transylvania University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $87,652 in 13.8 years versus 94.6 years at Spalding University, on median earnings of $54,705 vs $49,438 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTransylvania UniversitySpalding University
Net price / yr$21,913$25,491
Total net cost$87,652$101,964
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,705$49,438
Median debt$27,000$25,250
Payback13.8 yrs94.6 yrs
20-year net return$39,248-$80,404

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Transylvania University or Spalding University?

Transylvania University, at $21,913 a year after aid versus $25,491 — a gap of $3,578 a year, or $14,312 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Transylvania University or Spalding University graduates earn more?

Transylvania University graduates report a median $54,705 ten years after entry, $5,267 more than the $49,438 at Spalding University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Transylvania University or Spalding University?

Spalding University: its completers carry a median $25,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Transylvania University, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Transylvania University, against 52% at Spalding University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Transylvania University vs Spalding University: frequently asked questions

Is Transylvania University or Spalding University a better value?
Transylvania University. It clears its $87,652 net cost in about 13.8 years versus 94.6 years at Spalding University, on median earnings of $54,705 vs $49,438 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Transylvania University or Spalding University?
Transylvania University: $21,913/yr net price after aid versus $25,491/yr at Spalding University — a difference of $3,578 a year, or about $14,312 over four years.
Do Transylvania University or Spalding University graduates earn more?
Transylvania University graduates earn a median $54,705 ten years after entry, versus $49,438 at Spalding University — a $5,267 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.